What The Team Are Buying Their Children This Christmas

I’m always looking for gifts that will help my children make memories. This year, all three of mine are getting Paddington tickets, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and the kind of family outing that becomes a memory rather than just another present. 

For girls, I always come back to Mimi & Lula. Its pieces are pretty without being overly sugary. My goddaughter is getting the castle bag, which is playful but still feels thoughtfully designed, filled with a few hair clips she can use straight away. I’m also buying lots of Jellycat keyrings this year – perfect for clipping to school bags – and I know my girls have their eyes on an Owala Freesip bottle, which have gone viral for good reason. 

For boys, I’m going for fun, energy and a little thrill. This year, I’m eyeing a foldable mini drone with camera – available on Amazon (ideal for last-minute gifting), it has impressive HD video and is guaranteed to please with its tricks and flips. I’m pairing it with a set of wireless earbuds, ideal for long car rides or music and stories at bedtime.  

Stockings at ours are simple but considered. I love the KKNEKKI hair ties – they don’t snag or break, and somehow disappear less than other brands. I’ll add Legami erasable pens, which children love because they can correct every wobbly letter, and the Happiness Club calendar, a bright, cheerful calendar that gives them something fun to flip through every month. 

A book subscription is a great gift that lasts all year. The Willoughby Book Club option works brilliantly – a new book arriving each month keeps the excitement of reading going throughout the year. It’s thoughtful, low-effort and always well received. 

When it comes to games, I stick to the guaranteed winners. Rummikub and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza are both fast to learn, fun to play and competitive enough to keep the whole family entertained. The Pencil Nose game is another hit – fast, silly and perfect for that late-afternoon Christmas slump when everyone needs a lift. 

I love choosing gifts that bring instant excitement on Christmas morning. For my 17-year-old son, that’s the Pioneer DDJ-FLX4 DJ Controller. He’s into music, and this is a brilliant entry-level piece that lets him learn mixing properly. It’s compact, intuitive and works seamlessly with laptop software, so he can practise at home before taking it to parties. Until then, I’ll be pairing it with a good set of headphones.

For my daughter, it’s all about the slopes this year. She’s 19 and has been eyeing up a new ski outfit, so I’m getting her the My Ski Sunday Cropped Bomber Jacket in burgundy houndstooth. It’s warm, stylish and has that modern, streamlined silhouette she loves.

Stockings in our house are always practical, fun and a bit unexpected. Thumbs-up phone stands have gone down surprisingly well, while shower steamers from Oliver Bonas are another favourite; they turn a quick shower into something that feels far more indulgent. I’ve also given personalised AirPods cases and compact manicure kits, which always get used at some point during the year.

My godchildren are all teenagers now, so we’re firmly in the voucher-and-cash era. A Deliveroo voucher never fails to please. But when I can pick something more personal for the girls, I love jewellery from Blythe-B – the necklaces are my favourite, and they’re customisable if you know their favourite colours.

For teenage boys, the safest wins are pieces they’ll want to wear. I’ll be supporting my son’s streetwear brand, ALTRO LDN. His next drop, the Plaid collection, launches on 12th December.

For experience gifting, I rate a well-curated book subscription. My niece is an avid reader, so I’ve chosen one from Wee Bookworms, where you can input a child’s interests and hobbies, so the books feel tailored. They also plant a tree with every order, which is a lovely touch.

I always used to buy personalised Nutella jars from Selfridges, which were a huge hit until my son became dairy intolerant. Now I tuck dark chocolate coins into his stocking instead – a small swap that still feels festive.

When you’ve exhausted every idea, something personal always wins. A simple photo book of their year is meaningful without being overly sentimental.